JAKARTA — The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) Program by taking firm action against various potential loopholes for corruption that could hinder the implementation of this national priority program.
This commitment was reflected in a meeting between the Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), Dudung Abdurachman, and the Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Agus Joko Pramono, at the Presidential Staff Office on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
Dudung revealed that the KPK had raised several potential vulnerabilities in the implementation of the MBG program, one of which was the alleged practice of buying and selling Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) points, or MBG service kitchens.
“We do not want this very noble program to be tainted by corrupt practices. Together with the KPK, we will go directly to the field. If we find any manipulation in the selection of vendors or substandard food quality, we will certainly take firm action,” said Dudung.
He emphasized that President Prabowo has issued direct instructions to strictly and transparently monitor all priority government programs.
The government, Dudung continued, will not hesitate to evaluate and even expose any parties proven to have committed irregularities in the MBG program.
As a follow-up, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will conduct random unannounced inspections at various MBG operational points throughout Indonesia.
Oversight will focus on the supply chain, food quality, budget distribution, and the mechanism for determining the location of service kitchens.
KPK Deputy Chairman Agus Joko Pramono emphasized that the involvement of the anti-corruption agency is part of an early preventive measure to ensure the program runs accountably from the start.
“The MBG program involves a large budget, so oversight requires multiple layers. We have submitted recommendations to the National Nutrition Agency and are awaiting their follow-up,” Agus said.
The government is also strengthening digital-based oversight and opening up opportunities for public participation so that the public can report any discrepancies in the implementation of the MBG on the ground.
These steps are considered crucial to ensure the program is truly on target and provides optimal benefits to the community.
Social and public policy observer, Dr. Dr. Iswadi expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s decisive steps in strengthening oversight of the MBG.
He believes this policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to building clean and professional governance.
“The President’s message is very clear: no one should be allowed to manipulate the public budget. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that every rupiah of state funds is truly used for the benefit of the people,” said Dr. Iswadi.**